I’ve always liked the Dave Matthews Band, particularly their older material. It’s never been a must-buy, obsessive sort of fan-girl thing though. That changed with their new album: Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King. This one made my (very short) list of "listen to all weekend, memorize the lyrics, and play it until I dream about it" albums. Dave Matthews Band hit gold — it rocks, it swings, it soothes, and it shakes things up.
First and foremost: this work is a moving tribute to a dead friend. "GrooGrux King" refers to longtime DMB saxophonist Leroi Moor who died in an ATV accident about the same time the band started recording this CD. There’s an honesty about this album that I love — many of the tracks sound like a bunch of friends, who happen to be star musicians, just improvising and having a great time.
Second: this is a real, complete album…not just one or two single releases and a bunch of filler. I like it best in its entirety — spiritual and profane, joyous and grieving, big and blatant, quiet and profound.
That said: I do still have favorite songs.
Shake Me Like a Monkey: I defy you to sit still for this song. The rhythms just drive you to get up and DANCE!
Lying in the Hands of God: A quieter ballad, I kind of passed this one over the first few times through the album. It’s sneaky, though, and has become a favorite.
Alligator Pie: A funny, jazzy answer to Dave’s daughter asking him (according to the lyrics), "Daddy, when you gonna put me in a song?" This track just sings of zydeco and New Orleans.
Time Bomb: This song’s power came along gradually, and is very timely for all those men and women who have served in harm’s way.
You and Me: A hymn to family and marriage — "You and me can do anything, baby."